Golf putting training aid

ABSTRACT

Ejector devices and methods for golf putting training are provided. An ejector device can be configured for placement in a regulation golf hole. The ejector device can include a top member connected to a base by a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is operated by a motor in response to commands received from a controller. The controller can selectively actuate the motor and cause the lift mechanism to raise the top member relative to the base, to thereby eject a golf ball from the hole. Such actuation can be in response to detecting the receipt of a selected number of golf balls in the hole. Alternatively, the ejector device can be operated in response to an actuation command entered by a user through a remote control device wirelessly connected to the ejector device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/340,214, filed May 23, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Golf putting training aid methods and devices are provided.

BACKGROUND

The game of golf requires a significant amount of practice if players are to perform well. As an adjunct to actual gameplay, various devices have been developed with the intent of assisting players in developing their skills. For example, systems that are intended to develop a player's ability to drive a golf ball long distances have been popular. In addition, systems that are intended to improve a player's putting have been developed.

With respect to improving putting skills, available systems include those intended to be used indoors or on artificial surfaces. However, these are a poor substitute for practice on actual putting greens. To facilitate practice on an actual grass, practice putting greens often feature a ball tray attached to a stick or post that can be grasped and lifted by the golfer to remove balls from the hole. This eliminates the need for the golfer to reach into the hole to retrieve balls. However, the presence of the stick that is attached to the tray alters the golfer's view of the hole, and is therefore a less realistic putting scenario than if the stick were not present. In addition, the stick impedes maintenance of the practice green. Other systems developed for use on putting greens include ejectors that are placed in the hole and that are actuated as soon as a ball enters the hole. These systems thus facilitate practice by removing the ball from the cup for the golfer. However, these systems typically return the golf ball to the same location or area every time they are actuated. In addition, such systems are inflexible in operation.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide golf putting training aid methods and devices that, according to at least some embodiments, can be operated in response to a signal transmitted to an ejector assembly located in a cup of a practice green or of a green on an actual golf course. In accordance with still other embodiments, the ejector can be actuated in response to determining that a selected number of golf balls have been hit into the cup.

Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure include a golf putting device comprising an ejector assembly. The ejector assembly includes a base, and a top member that is interconnected to the base by a lift assembly. A motor connected to the lift assembly is operable to move the lift assembly relative to the base in response to a control command received from a controller. The ejector assembly can additionally include memory. The memory can be used to store operating instructions executed by the controller. In addition, the memory can store a user selected value that determines a number of golf balls that are allowed to enter a hole containing the ejector assembly, before the ejector assembly is operated to remove the balls from the hole. The ejector assembly can further include a user input. The user input can comprise a switch that is manually operated. Alternatively or in addition, the user input can comprise a wireless communication interface that is connected to a switch that is remote relative to the ejector assembly by a wireless communication channel. In accordance with still other embodiments of the present disclosure, a sensor can be provided that detects the presence of a golf ball in a hole containing the ejector assembly, and that sends a signal to the controller in response to detecting such an event.

Methods in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure include providing an ejector assembly that is placed in a hole in a putting green. In response to receiving a golf ball in the hole, the ejector assembly is operated to eject the ball. In accordance with further embodiments of the present disclosure, the method can include counting balls as they drop into the hole and waiting to operate the ejector assembly until a selected number of golf balls have dropped into the hole. The selected number of golf balls that are allowed to drop into the hole before the ejector assembly is operated to remove the balls can be set using a manually operated switch provided on a housing of the ejector assembly, or via a remote switch or application. In accordance with still other embodiments of the present disclosure, different users can be wirelessly connected to different ejectors in different holes of a practice green. Each user can independently select the number of balls that are allowed to drop into the cup before actuation of their ejector assembly, or can manually operate their ejector assembly. Alternatively or in addition, a user can be connected to multiple ejector assembly the multiple holes simultaneously, where each ejector assembly operates to eject balls from the hole after a selected number of balls have been received by the hole, or the user can manually operate the ejector assembly in the different holes.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the following description, particularly when considered together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an ejector assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the ejector assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a side elevation view of the ejector assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a top plan view of the ejector assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ejector assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, with a lift mechanism in an extended position;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an ejector assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts an ejector assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure installed in a hole;

FIG. 5 depicts the ejector assembly of FIG. 4 installed in a hole and with the lift mechanism in an extended position;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an ejector assembly in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of an ejector assembly in accordance with still other embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram depicting components of an ejector system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting aspects of the operation of an ejector system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1D are views of an ejector assembly 104 that can be included in an ejector system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. More particularly, FIG. 1A is a perspective view, FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view, FIG. 1C is a side elevation view, and FIG. 1D is a top plan view of the example ejector assembly 104. The ejector assembly 104 generally includes a base 108 and a top member 112. The ejector assembly 104 can also include a switch 110. The switch 110 allows a user to place the ejector assembly 104 in an on or off condition, and/or in a selected mode of operation, where the ejector assembly 104 operates autonomously to eject a ball or balls after a selected number of balls have dropped in a hole containing the ejector assembly. The switch 110 can be mounted to the base 108. The top member 112 includes a top surface 114 that is generally convex, to promote moving golf balls away from the hole when the ejector is operated, as discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein. In FIGS. 1A-1D, the ejector assembly 104 is in a closed or standby operating condition. In this condition, the ejector assembly fits in a regulation hole of a golf course or practice green, with the top member approximately 1-3 inches below the surface of the green. Accordingly, the base 108 in this embodiment is generally contoured to fit within a typical golf course cup. Moreover, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D, the base 108 includes a cylindrical protrusion or extension 116 that is sized to fit into the aperture that is typically provided in the bottom of a golf hole pole cup to receive a pin or pole.

The top member 112 includes a top surface 114 that is generally convex when viewed in elevation. This generally promotes moving a ball or balls resting on the top surface 114 in a horizontal direction when the ejector assembly 104 is operated. The top surface 114 can include a number of dimples 122 that can each receive a portion of a golf ball therein. The top surface 114 can also include a handle 118, to facilitate placing the ejector assembly 104 in a hole or removing the ejector assembly 104 from a hole.

In FIG. 2, the ejector assembly 104 is depicted in an extended position, and in FIG. 3 the ejector assembly 104 is depicted in an exploded perspective view. In the extended position, the top member 112 is supported away from the base 108 by a lift mechanism 116. As shown, the lift mechanism 116 can be supported by a mounting plate 120, and can be actuated or driven by a motor 124. In accordance with at least some embodiments, the lift mechanism 116 can be provided as a scissor lift that is lifted by a jackscrew 128 operated by the motor 124. As also shown in FIG. 3, the ejector assembly 104 can further include the circuit assembly or board 132 and a power source or battery 136. In this exemplary embodiment, the lift mechanism 116 is a scissor lift that includes a plurality of stages, and a captive nut 152 that receives the jackscrew 128. Moreover, the captive nut 152 is located on a crossmember 156 that is connected to a first stage of the lift mechanism 116, such that a distance a top member 160 of the lift mechanism 116 is moved relative to a base member 164 of the lift mechanism 116 is greater than a distance that the captive nut 152 is moved relative to the base member 164. This facilitates the provision of an ejector assembly 104 that is compact enough to be placed inside a regulation golf hole, while allowing a number of balls (e.g. 3 or 4) to be accommodated in the hole while the ejector assembly 104 is in a closed or non-extended state.

FIG. 4 depicts an ejector assembly 104 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure installed in a hole 404 formed in the surface 408 of a putting green. More particularly, the ejector assembly 104 is depicted installed in a cup 412 placed in the bottom of the hole 404. As shown, the ejector assembly 104 is sized such that the top surface 114 of the top member 112 is beneath the lip 416 of the hole 404, when the ejector assembly 104 is in a closed position. Accordingly, installation of the ejector assembly 104 does not affect the receipt of a golf ball 420. In addition, the cylindrical protrusion 116 fits into the aperture 424 typically provided as part of the cup 412, in order to receive a pin or pole. In FIG. 5, the ejector assembly 104 is depicted in an open or extended position. In addition, the ball 420 is depicted as being ejected in a horizontal direction 428, away from the hole 404, by operation of the ejector assembly 104. Although depicted in various figures as a scissor type lift that moves the top member 112 vertically relative to the base 108, a lift mechanism 116 can alternatively include any assembly of gears, levers, linear actuators, or other mechanism that allows the top surface 114 of the top member 112 to be raised above the surface 408 of the putting green to eject a ball or balls out of and away from the hole 404.

FIG. 6 depicts an ejector assembly 104 in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure. More particularly, the embodiment of FIG. 6 includes a top member 112 with a top surface 114 that is contoured. The contours of the top surface 114 can include wave-like formations with convex and concave areas that radiate from a center post or handle 118. In addition, the top surface 114 can be asymmetrical. The top surface 114 in this alternate embodiment can facilitate the ability of the ejector assembly 104 to displace or eject multiple golf balls from a hole simultaneously. In particular, the top surface 114 contours can be formed to prevent a situation that can occur in which a ball rests between the lip of the green and other balls, potentially forming a wedge and preventing the top member 112 from extending.

FIG. 7 depicts an ejector assembly 104 in accordance with still other embodiments of the present disclosure. More particularly, this embodiment features a base 108 with an extended volume as compared to at least some of the other embodiments. This extended volume is configured to allow for the inclusion of a relatively large power supply or battery, thereby increasing the operating time and/or number of eject operations before recharging the ejector assembly 104 becomes necessary, as compared to embodiments having a smaller power supply or battery. With the extended base 108, the ejector assembly 104 sets in a hole 408 directly, rather than in a cup. This view also depicts a top member 112 with a top surface 114 similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram depicting components of an ejector system 100 incorporating an ejector assembly 104 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. With respect to the ejector assembly 104, the components can include the base 108, the top member 112, the lift mechanism 116, and the motor 124. In addition, the ejector assembly 104 can include a controller 168 that is operatively connected to the motor 124. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller 168 can include a processor 170 and can further include or be connected to memory 176. The processor 170 can include any general purpose programmable processor or controller for executing application programming or firmware. Alternatively, the processor 170 may comprise a specially configured application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 170 generally functions to run programming code or firmware 172 stored in the memory and implementing various functions performed by the ejector assembly 104. The memory 176 can thus be used in connection with the execution of programming by the processor 170, and for the temporary or long term storage of data and/or program instructions. For example, a ball selection value, and a program or routine for counting a number of detected events and triggering operation of the motor 124 in response to determining that the counted number of events is equal to the selection value can be stored in the memory 176. The memory 176 can include solid state memory, and can further include, at least in part, non-volatile memory, such as NVRAM. The controller 168 can be provided on or as part of the circuit assembly 132. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, an input/output device 180 can be included. The input/output device 180 can comprise a wireless interface 182, such as, but not limited to, a Bluetooth, or WiFi transceiver. Alternatively or in addition, the input/output device 180 can be in the form of a switch 110. The switch 110 can be a power (on or off) switch. The switch 110 can also include positions that encode a selected number of balls, and thus can allow a user to enter a ball selection value. As yet another example, separate power and ball selection number switches can be provided. The ejector assembly 104 also includes a battery or other power source 136.

In addition, the ejector system 100 can include a remote control device 184. The remote control device 184 can comprise a user interface 188, such as a switch or touch screen interface, and a wireless interface 183. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, the remote control device 184 can include a controller 168, which can incorporate a processor 170 and memory 176. In an exemplary embodiment, the remote control device 184 can be in the form of a dedicated device, with a mechanical switch as the user interface 188. The remote control device 184 can be paired to a selected ejector assembly 104, for example to allow different users to practice putting using different holes 404 of a practice green at the same time. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the remote control device 184 can be implemented as a smart phone or other device having wireless communication capabilities, and running an app or application 186 that is operable to send a control signal to the ejector assembly 104 in response to a user input. In such an embodiment, the remote control device processor 172 may execute instructions, for example provided in the form of an app 186, that is stored in the memory 176, to present a user interface to the user through a user interface 188 in the form of, for example, a touch screen that allows the user to enter operation selection commands. These commands can include eject, ball selection number, or ejector assembly 104 selection commands. For example, a user can select one or more ejector assemblies 104 and can program the selected ejector assemblies 104 with ball selection numbers or can send an eject command to a selected ejector assembly 104 or group of ejector assemblies. Accordingly, the remote control device 184 can be in the form of a user device that is running an app 186 adapted to interface with an ejector assembly. A remote control device 184 can also include a smart phone or other computing device associated with a golf course operator that is running an app 186. Whether a user device or a golf course operator device, the remote control device 184 can be in communication with and control aspects of the operation one or more ejector assemblies 104 over a wireless communication channel 190. The remote control device 184 can also include a battery or other power source 192.

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ejector system 100 can be operated in response to a control signal received at the user input 188. In particular, upon receiving a signal generated in response to a user input received at the user input device 188, an actuation signal can be sent from the input/output device 183 of the remote control device 184 to the input/output device 180 of the ejector assembly 104. The input/output device 180 of the ejector assembly 104 can provide a signal to the processor 172, which can then actuate the motor 124, causing the top member 112 to move away from the base 108. As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art after consideration of the present disclosure, this movement will cause any ball on the top member 112 to be forced out of the cup.

The ejector assembly 104 can also include a sensor 182. The sensor 182 can detect when a ball drops into a hole containing the ejector assembly 104. For instance, the sensor 182 can detect the impact of a ball on the top member 112 of the ejector assembly. As an example, the sensor 182 can be connected to the top member 112. Alternatively or in addition, the sensor 182 can be connected to another component of the ejector assembly 104, such as the base 108 or the lift mechanism 116. As an example, the sensor 182 may comprise an accelerometer, a motion sensor, or a pressure sensor. In response to sensing the impact of a ball, the sensor 182 can send a signal to the controller 168. Alternative or in addition, a sensor 182 can be provided that detects the weight of one or more golf balls on the top member 112. Accordingly, at least some embodiments of the present disclosure do not require the association with a remote control device 184 in order to operate, and thus can operate autonomously to eject a ball or balls 420 after a selected number of balls 420 have been detected in the hole 404.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting aspects of methods of golf putting training incorporating a golf putting training aid in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Initially, at step 902, the golf putting training aid or ejector assembly 104 is powered on. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the ejector assembly 104 is powered on by a user by moving the switch 110 to the on position. At step 904, a determination is made as to whether a ball selection number has been received by the ejector assembly 104. In general, a ball selection number determines the number of balls 420 that are allowed to drop into a hole 404 containing the ejector assembly 104 before the ejector assembly 104 is activated to eject the ball or balls 420 from the hole 404. A ball selection number can be a default value that is, for example, entered as part of an initial configuration process. A user can also enter a ball selection number corresponding to the number of balls 420 that are allowed to accumulate in the hole 404 before the ejector assembly 104 is operated to eject the balls 420. For example, the switch 110 can include positions from 1 to 1+n, where n is an integer value. As another example, the user can enter a ball selection number through a remote control device 184. For instance, where the remote control device is a dedicated remote control for use with the ejector assembly 104, the remote control 184 can include a mechanical switch as a user input 188, with different positions corresponding to different ball selection numbers. Where the remote control 184 is implemented by a smart phone or other wireless device running an app, the app may present a user interface that allows the user to specify the desired ball selection number. In any case, the maximum value of n is generally determined by the maximum number of balls 420 that can be accommodated by a hole 404 when an ejector assembly 104 is in the hole. As an example, n can equal 3, with the result that four balls 420 will be allowed to drop into the hole 404 before the ejector assembly 104 is operated to eject the balls 420. If a ball selection number has been received, that number is stored (step 906). As previously noted, the ball selection number can be stored in memory 168, or through the position of the switch 110. In accordance with still other embodiments, the ball selection number can be stored in memory 176 or through selecting the position of a switch 188 provided by a remote control device 184.

At step 908, a determination is made as to whether an eject signal has been received. An eject signal can be in the form of a user input entered through a remote control device 184. The remote control device 184 can be in the form of a dedicated remote control in wireless communication with the ejector assembly 104 via a wireless communication channel 190. In accordance with further embodiments of the present disclosure, the remote control device 184 can comprise a smart phone, tablet, or other device capable of running an app 186 and establishing a wireless communication channel 190 with the ejector assembly 104. The app 186 may present a user interface that allows the user to select a specific ejector assembly 104 from among a plurality of available ejector assemblies 104, and to choose to send an eject signal to a selected ejector assembly or set of ejector assemblies 104. If an eject signal is received by the ejector assembly 104, the controller 168, in response to the eject signal, controls the motor 124 to operate, moving the lift mechanism 116 and in turn the top member 112, to eject the ball 420 or balls 420 from the hole (step 912). In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a user-entered eject signal can be received and acted upon to eject a ball or balls 420 from a hole 404 even where a ball selection number has been entered by default or by user selection.

If an eject signal is not detected at step 908, the process continues to step 916, where a determination is made as to whether a ball 420 has been detected by the ejector assembly 104. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, detecting a ball 420 by the ejector assembly 104 can include receiving an event signal from a sensor 182 included as part of the ejector assembly 104. For example, where the sensor 182 is an accelerometer, an event signal may be generated in response to detecting an acceleration caused by the impact of a ball 420 following falling into a hole 404 and impacting the top member 112 of the ejector assembly 104. If a ball 420 is detected, the process continues to step 920, where a determination is made as to whether a selected number of balls 420 have been detected. More particularly, in response to an event signal received from a sensor 182, the controller 168 of the ejector assembly 104 can maintain a count, for example in memory 176, of the number of balls that have been detected. Moreover, the counted number of balls 420 can be compared to a selected number of balls entered by a user, or, in the absence of the user selected number, maintained as a default number by the ejector assembly 104. If the counted number of balls 420 is equal to or greater than the selected number of balls, the controller 168 sends a signal to operate the motor 124 to raise the lift mechanism 116 and in turn the top member 112 to eject the ball or balls 420 from the hole 404 (step 912). In accordance with still further embodiments, an event signal generated by a sensor 182, or other notification of the event of a detected ball, can be sent from the ejector assembly 104 to a remote control device 184 that is maintaining a count and that compares the counted number of balls (events) to a selected number. In such an embodiment, the remote control device 184 can then send an eject signal to the ejector assembly 104.

At step 924, a determination is made as to whether the ejector assembly 104 has been powered off. If the device has not been powered off, the process can return to step 904. Alternatively, the process can end. Although certain steps have been described in a linear fashion, it should be appreciated that various steps may be performed in parallel or simultaneously. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure can allow a ball selection number to be entered at any time. In addition, the ejector assembly 104 can continuously monitor whether a ball 420 has dropped into the hole 404. Moreover, the ejector assembly 104 can be powered on or off at any time.

A particular ejector assembly 104 or set of ejector assemblies 104 can be operatively associated or paired with a single remote control device 184. The selection of specific ejector assemblies 104 can be made through a user interface presented by the app 186. A selection of specific ejector assemblies 104 paired with a user remote control device 184 can also be made by an administrator or authority through an app 186 running on another remote control device 184 having administrative permissions with respect to the ejector assemblies 104.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the ejector assembly is sized to fit within a regulation golf hole 404. Accordingly, ejector assembly 104 in such an example can have a diameter of about 4 inches, and a total height of about 2.9 inches. For an embodiment that is configured to fit within a typical cup 412 in a regulation golf hole 404, the protrusion 116 may have a diameter of about 1 inch and a length of about 1.5 inches. As used herein, a value is “about” the stated value if it is within 10% of the stated value.

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain the best mode presently known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such or in other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application or use of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf putting training device, comprising: a base; a top member; a lift assembly, wherein the base is connected to the top member by the lift assembly; a motor, wherein the motor is connected to the lift assembly; and a controller, wherein the controller is operable to selectively actuate the motor to move the top member away from the base.
 2. The golf putting training device of claim 1, further comprising: a wireless transmitter; a wireless receiver, wherein the wireless receiver is operable to provide an actuation signal received from the wireless transmitter to the controller, and wherein in response to receiving the actuation signal the controller operates the motor to drive the lift assembly and to move the top member away from the base.
 3. The golf putting training device of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor, wherein the sensor is operable to provide a signal the controller in response to an event.
 4. The golf putting training device of claim 3, wherein the sensor is an accelerometer.
 5. The golf putting training device of claim 4, wherein the event is an impact.
 6. The golf putting training device of claim 5, wherein the controller is operable to count a number of signals provided from the sensor, and wherein the controller is operable to operate the motor to drive the lift assembly and to move the top member away from the base when count of the number of signals is equal to a selected value.
 7. The golf putting training device of claim 6, further comprising: a memory, wherein the controller executes instructions held in the memory, and wherein the selected value is held in the memory.
 8. The golf putting training device of claim 7, wherein the impact is a golf ball dropping on the top member.
 9. The golf putting training device of claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to determine a force applied to the top member, and wherein the controller is further operable to operate the motor to drive the lift assembly and to move the top member away from the base in response determining that the force applied to the top member is at least a selected amount.
 10. The golf putting training device of claim 8, wherein the selected amount corresponds to a weight of a selected number of golf balls.
 11. A golf training system, comprising: an ejector assembly, including: a base; a top member; a lift assembly, wherein the base is connected to the top member by the lift assembly; a motor, wherein the motor is connected to the lift assembly; a controller, wherein the controller is operable to selectively actuate the motor to move the top member away from the base; memory, wherein the memory holds instructions for execution by the controller; and a power supply, wherein the power supply provides electrical power to at least the motor and the controller.
 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a sensor, wherein the sensor is operable to provide an event signal to the controller in response to sensing an event, and wherein the controller is operable to activate the motor to move the top member away from the base in response to receiving a selected number of event signals from the sensor.
 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a user input, wherein the selected number of event signals is determined in response to a signal received from the user input.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the user input is a switch.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the switch is connected to the controller by a wireline connection, and wherein the switch includes at least three positions.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein at least one of the switch positions selects at least two event signals.
 17. The system of claim 14, further comprising: a wireless communication interface, wherein the wireless communication interface is connected to the controller by a wireline connection, and wherein the switch is connected to the wireless communication interface by a wireless communication channel.
 18. A golf putting training method, comprising: placing an ejector assembly in a hole in a putting green; receiving a golf ball in the hole; operating the ejector assembly to eject the golf ball from the hole.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: receiving a number of golf balls in the hole; operating the ejector assembly to eject the golf ball from the hole when the number of golf balls received in the hole is equal to a selected number.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: connecting a user input to the controller over a wireless communication channel; receiving, at the controller, a signal from the user input to operate the ejector assembly. 